Like his character, 'Burn Notice' actor into martial arts

Jeffrey Donovan on 'Burn Notice'

Jeffrey Donovan on 'Burn Notice'

David Raterman, Correspondent

Jeffrey Donovan plays Michael Westen on USA's "Burn Notice," a series in which he's an ex-CIA agent now working private missions from Miami. To fit the role, Donovan works out regularly by boxing and circuit training. But he still finds time to scuba dive, especially off Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.

Besides looking strong for his TV role, Donovan keeps active just to live more. As he said, "Without health, nothing is possible."

Q: What's your workout routine?

A: I stay away from heavy weights and focus more on boxing and circuit training. My diet is pretty good, so I don't need an excessive amount of cardio, but boxing is the most cardio/calorie burning workout I've ever done.

Q: Why do you keep fit?

A: It's important for me to stay fit for my job as Michael Westen, but I think it's more important for my overall health. I know that if I'm feeling well I can do anything. But without health, nothing is possible.

Q: Both you and your character practice martial arts. When did you start in real life?

A: In college, I started by joining the karate club. Once that world opened up to me, I explored aikido, jujitsu and now boxing.

Q: And you're a scuba diver. Where do you dive?

A: I love diving in the Keys and off Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. While in Miami, I'm normally busy shooting "Burn Notice" but would like to take advantage this coming season and dive as much as possible.

Q: What was the toughest stunt you've performed on the show?

A: I had to jump off the balcony of Michael's loft as it exploded in flames. I shot the stunt and looked at playback and I saw myself engulfed in flames as I fell 10 feet into a stunt pad. It's actually in the opening commercial for the series. I realized the flames got really close, and they actually burned some of my forearm hair and eyebrows off. Didn't do that stunt ever again.

Q: What's your typical daily diet?

A: My diet is pretty good. I stay away from fatty and fried foods, and I'm not a big sweet eater (luckily). I stick to fish and vegetables mostly, and avoid soda and beer late at night. I think it's important to eat the good fats, though, like good cheeses, and I love my wife's guacamole.

Q: What do you drink?

A: I enjoy wine and I have a juicer that usually contains kale, apple and beets.

Q: Do you smoke or have any other health vices?

A: Never smoked and never will. It's deadly and it's sad more people don't realize it's killing them.